Ghana as a group experience Past Review
By A student (Anthropology/Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/18/2014 to 05/15/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Ghana
I learned how to exist in a group. I learned how to focus on the beauty of a country and all the new and wonderful experiences I was having rather than drama and misunderstandings. I learned t appreciate the bigger picture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I wouldn't say it was academically rigorous, but experiential learning requires you to engage another set of muscles. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Lovable, accessible, compassionate staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Met some great people during homestays. But it is what you make it. Its very important to be open to new things and sensitive to the feelings and resources of yout host. |
| * Food: |
I miss Ghanaian food everyday. they have a tendency towards spice, starch and large portions. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt integrated because my attitude allowed me to communicate openly with my host families and friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Staff made sure we were regularly screened for Malaria and other issues. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
SIT gives stipends for food and transport. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 25 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The cities and tourist areas are expensive. To save money eat locally and only splurge on special occasions. Also monitor your partying. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | N/A |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Try to practice as you travel. Challenge yourself to speak Twi in the group. Actually do the assignments and take advantage of homestays |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That SIT programs cater to the needs of middle-class American students/families. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
